"I received the news with dismay: the pain is very strong." These are the statements released by the Archbishop of Cagliari, Monsignor Giuseppe Baturi, in the special edition of Caffè Corretto on Radiolina dedicated to the death of Pope Francis . "At the same time with Christian hope, which Easter strengthens," continued the general secretary of the Italian Episcopal Conference. "Pope Francis was also disconcerting, compared to many expectations and many memories that we have had. I knew Paul VI, John Paul II and Pope Benedict. Pope Francis was in perfect continuity, but also revolutionary: it is important to gather the meaning of this revolution."

Baturi, in his speech, wanted to recall how Pope Francis' first visit took place in Cagliari, in 2013. Then he pointed out that Chiesa leaves the Holy Father: «First, a Church that the Pope wants to be synodal, capable of welcoming everyone. A Church that is not afraid to involve and that addresses everyone, so that they can have a place and a say. Then a Church that collaborates with all institutions for peace, which is achieved with a convergent effort by all. Finally, a Church attentive to mercy towards the most derelict and those who live on the outskirts».

Several initiatives have already been defined by the CEI and the diocese. Among these, for Cagliari, the holy mass in suffrage in the Cathedral: it will be presided over by Baturi himself . «We have just given, as CEI, also some liturgical and prayer indications», he recalls. «We have asked that all the churches be open for prayer, with moments of suffrage. At 7 pm we will celebrate the holy mass in the Cathedral of Cagliari, we will also make sure to remember the words that the Pope spent for the poorest. We will make sure to remember what he had said to Bonaria, when he entrusted our lives and our hopes to Mary ».

In closing, Baturi wants to send a message related to the death of Pope Francis. "We are certain that he is now meeting the risen Christ: he wants to tell us, even in this way, that this is what Easter is for and all the rites that will now follow. We are certain that Christ is alive and present within the Church, which has this value of communicating to everyone that a new life exists . The Pope has given us testimony of this even in the moment of illness, when many think that a life like this no longer has any meaning. Instead, all of life must be lived, it has a value and a responsibility."

(Unioneonline/r.sp.)

© Riproduzione riservata